The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The students of Sisters came together to support the students of Uganda in a benefit concert Saturday, August 5, at Sisters Coffee Co. The concert was organized and performed by current and former Sisters High School students.

"I think its the most successful concert we've had so far, in terms of how the audience reacted and how giving everyone was," said SHS Senior Travis Ehrenstrom who both performed in and organized the event.

The evening raised $471 through admissions, CD and shirt sales along with private donations.

The funds raised will be given to African Renewal Ministries and will be used to purchase textbooks for students across Uganda.

"This ministry helps youth in general, not discriminating by religion," said SHS graduate Jarett Hancock. "Costs of the text books range from $2 to $10 each."

Hancock and his peers have been working to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Uganda since watching the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut" last winter. They hope to visit Africa next summer and are making headway as they build relationships with people locally, and in that region.

The night's performers included local musicians Benji Nagel, Monica Offield, Neight Batarra and Ehrenstrom. SHS junior Jena Rickards joined Ehrenstrom for a lovely rendition of the Nancy Griffith song "Gulf Coast Highway."

"I think it was the best the musicians have sounded," said Rickards of the performances.

The organizers hope to continue raising funds through concerts and other means as the year moves on. They have already designed T-shirts and produced a five-song EP which are available for purchase at Sisters Coffee Company.

For more information on African Renewal Ministries or the event organizers' efforts to help Uganda, you may contact the fundraisers at [email protected]